Dover’s Lisowski lighting it up, emerges as Mr. Football contender

Dover senior quarterback Corey Lisowski has been nothing short of sensational in leading the Tornadoes to a 7-1 start. In fact, Lisowski has propelled himself into Mr. Football discussions.

We have more on this talented signal-caller.

Dover senior quarterback Corey Lisowski has been nothing short of sensational in leading the Tornadoes to a 7-1 start. In fact, Lisowski has propelled himself into Mr. Football discussions.

Since a season-opening loss at Canton South where Lisowski threw four interceptions, the QB and the Tornadoes have been unstoppable – literally. Over the last seven games, Dover has put up 55.3 points per outing, including 53, 69, 68 and 69 the past four weeks. For the year, the Tornadoes are averaging 50.5 points. Lisowski has yet to offer up another interception.

For the 2008 campaign, the Dover signal caller is completing almost 70-percent of his passes for 2,414 yards and 30 TDs. Lisowski has also ran for close to 500 yards and 11 TDs. Not too shabby for someone usually playing just one half of football.

Lisowski has been tremendous, but a nice receiving core certainly helps. Led by seniors Cory Matlick (6-3) and Kyle Sattler, the Tuscarawas County school has six receivers with at least 11 catches. A week ago, Matlick hauled in three balls for 92 yards with a pair of scores. He now has 27 receptions for 795 yards (29.4 yards per catch) and 11 TDs. Sattler has over 400 yards and five scores.

Junior Marcus Mamarella is probably the team’s best defensive player who gets limited action on offense. However, he is second on the team with nine TD receptions. Mamarella scored a rushing TD, threw two TDs and led the team with nine tackles (Andrew Bache also had nine stops) in last week’s 69-6 rout of Meadowbrook.

Seniors Carson Gessner and Cory DeChiara are other viable options for Lisowski along with junior Ian Drapcho. They all have at least three scores on the season.

The amazing statistic is all six receivers are averaging at least 15 yards per catch.

Offensive line play was a question mark when the season began, but it has certainly emerged over the course of the year.

Besides a victory over power Avon Lake in Week 2, the Tornadoes most convincing win came against a very good Coshocton (7-1) outfit in Week 5. Dover pummeled the Redskins 53-14. The last two weeks, in wins over Claymont and Meadowbrook, Lisowski has accounted for 14 TDs (thrown for eight, ran for six). He played only the first half in both games.

The Tornadoes, ranked No. 5 in the D-III ONN/Ohio High Power Poll, are fourth in the latest Division III, Region 11 computer points and one of the favorites for a regional title. Region 11 is deep with Canton South, Poland, reigning Division III state runner-up Licking Valley, Canton Fulton Northwest, Granville and New Philadelphia all in the mix, but Lisowski gives the Tornadoes a difference – and TD – maker.

Dover finishes up the schedule Friday at home against Greenville (6-2) before going to unbeaten and bitter rival New Philadelphia (8-0) in Week 10.